The forecast of rain in the Canaries due to the DANA has put all the institutions and organizations of the Islands on alert, preparing for what could be a challenging weekend due to adverse weather conditions. Friday night and Saturday are expected to be the most complex days due to the meteorological situation affecting the archipelago. For instance, the Cabildo de Tenerife has already advised the people of Tenerife not to go up the mountain and avoid outdoor gatherings this weekend.
AEMET predicts wind gusts of 70km/h and precipitation that can be locally strong and intense, reasons that the island council considers sufficient to issue the aforementioned recommendations. The emergency plan is activated due to the pre-alert declaration for rains, winds and snow in summit areas, storms and coastal phenomena on the north coast of the island issued by the General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canaries.
Advice from the 112 Emergency Service
The Government of the Canaries, through the Twitter account of 112, the emergency service, has released a video recommending three simple actions to take before the possible rainstorm begins. These tips are straightforward and basic but it’s always good to consider them to avoid any issues if the rain is heavy, a possibility that is not ruled out at all.
Check the Condition of Roofs and Drains
It is important to ensure that the sewers and drains meant to ‘drink’ the falling water are clean to prevent the formation of puddles and water pockets that could lead to floods.
Inspect the State of Your Vehicle
Checking tire pressure, the condition of the oil, water, or the amount of petrol in the tank is always a good habit, especially when the weather conditions may require the vehicle to exert extra effort.
Monitor the Weather Forecast
Instability is the dominant feature of DANA episodes, so knowing what the weather will be like in the coming hours is crucial, especially if we have to travel out of necessity. It is important to remember that the Cabildo de Tenerife has advised against engaging in outdoor activities or going up the mountain. You can check the forecast on the AEMET website or by following EL DÍA on social media, where we will keep you updated on the latest developments of the storm.
The General Directorate of Emergencies, based on the AEMET forecast and/or other available sources, and applying the Specific Emergency Plan of the Canary Islands for Risks of Adverse Weather Phenomena PEFMA (Decree 18/2014, of March 20), DECLARES the PRE-ALERT situation. Meteorological instability caused by a DANA that will impact the weather in the Canary Islands for several days. Possible weak or moderate precipitation, unevenly distributed, that could be locally intense in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, in northern points of the islands with greater relief, and in mid-altitude areas of southeastern Gran Canaria and Tenerife.